As men age, the prostate (located between the bladder and urethra) can become vulnerable to some health concerns. The two most common conditions are an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH) and prostate cancer. It is important to note that having an enlarged prostate does NOT increase your risk for prostate cancer.
BPH is common in aging men. About half of all men between the ages of 50 and 60 have BPH and up to 90 percent of men over age 80 have BPH.
An enlarged prostate is not a medically serious condition. As the prostate grows, it can block the flow of urine out of the bladder. As a result, men may experience:
- A frequent need to urinate—especially at night
- A weak, delayed, or interrupted stream when urinating
- An inability to completely empty the bladder
Care and Early Detection
There is no way to prevent BPH. Studies have shown that excess body fat may affect hormone levels and cell growth. Losing weight and eating a heart-healthy diet may help prevent BPH. Staying active also helps weight and hormone levels. There are many treatment options for BPH. You and your doctor can decide together which treatment is right for you. Mild cases of BPH may require no treatment at all.
SMG urology expert, Dr. Jeffrey Blitstein recommends getting regular medical checkups, including rectal exams. If you are over the age 50 or have a strong family history of prostate cancer, he advises speaking to your health care provider about prostate cancer screening. |